Excavating History : My Experience at the Center for American Archeology

July 30th, 2024

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience." This philosophy by Eleanor Roosevelt is not only a motto for many, but also a sentiment deeply felt by those enamored by the knowledge of the past. We must not only taste the experience of our lives to live it fully but also study to understand the experiences of those who lived before us. This gives us insight not only into our origins and ancestors but also how their actions can help us reach out eagerly, using their past to provide us with a newer and richer experience in our present. 

Last month I gave you a debriefing of my time at an archeology field school, but I then went off that topic to talk about one of my 1 true loves, dead things. I didn't think that this would have been unexpected considering some of my past episodes, but I've had people ask questions about what exactly went on at that camp, and more importantly why I chose to spend time there. Luckily for you, I wrote an entire episode outlining all the educational ways I spent that week of my summer. If you are for some reason curious enough to know about the non-educational ways, DM me at our instagram @Webtorium Health. Now let's get back into our August Podcast!

My first step into immersing myself in this motto was at The Center for American Archaeology (CAA) in Kampsville, Illinois. ​​The Center for American Archaeology is a research institution focusing on the study and preservation of American archaeology, with an emphasis on the prehistoric and historic Native American cultures of the Midwest. Established in 1953, CAA carries out archaeological excavations, field schools, and research projects aimed at uncovering and interpreting the rich cultural heritage of the region. 

My journey into understanding Native Americans in the Midwest began not in the field, but in the classroom. From the very first day, we delved into foundational knowledge that would guide our hands-on work in the weeks ahead, alongside discovering intriguing facts. A standout moment in this experience was attending a lecture by the woman who coined the term "bioarchaeology", a field of archaeology focusing on analyzing human skeletal remains revealing insights into past societies. Further into the lecture she again ignited my interest with an introduction to Paleopathology, which explores ancient community health. Later, Dr. Jason King's casual yet enlightening reference to Classical Archaeology resonated deeply with me when he defined it to center on the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. This newfound knowledge brought me closer to the mission of archeology; to uncover, interpret, and preserve the material and cultural remains of past societies for the benefit of present and future generations, contributing to our collective understanding of human history and promoting cultural heritage conservation and appreciation. In just the beginning of my experience at CCA, I felt a desire to begin unraveling the historical tapestry of the classical world—providing insights into their daily lives, professions, dietary practices, and health implications. Armed with this enriched perspective, I eagerly anticipated the next day when I would learn the initial phase to uncover these secrets; excavation. 

When we first arrived at the field, we were immediately introduced to a comprehensive array of paperwork. As we soon learned, field excavation within Cultural Resource Management (CRM) demands a process that seamlessly blends scientific rigor with practical fieldwork techniques. At the core of this methodology lies the meticulous documentation and paperwork that form the backbone of every excavation project. At the CAA, these principles are paramount to ensure the integrity and accuracy of archaeological data so that today we can preserve the material and cultural remains of past societies for the benefit of future generations

Dr.King taught us that the importance of thorough paperwork and documentation cannot be overstated in field excavation. Before any shovel touches the ground, archaeologists diligently complete forms that detail crucial information such as project specifics, the identity of collectors, dates of excavation, site characteristics, identified features, and specific squares or levels within the site. Each entry is not merely administrative but serves as a foundational record that tracks the progress of excavation, documents findings, and supports subsequent analysis and interpretation. This detailed documentation is crucial for maintaining the chronological and spatial integrity of archaeological contexts, allowing researchers to reconstruct past environments and activities with precision.While the nature of the work seems overwhelming I was still eager to grasp the significance of each detail archaeologists meticulously noted: Project details, collector identities, excavation dates, site characteristics, identified features, square/level designations, and status numbers. Understanding the purpose behind each entry wasn't just essential for my role as an aspiring archaeologist but also provided invaluable preparation for my internship at the San Diego Archaeological Center. Here, I have the privilege of working in a lab where I'm responsible for documenting and accounting for the same elements emphasized in CRM firm paperwork. This hands-on experience is enhancing my skills and deepening my appreciation for the critical role meticulous documentation plays in archaeological practice.

Soon, we ventured into the field to begin our work on Project 817: The German Site, a Late Woodland / Jersey Bluff Phase archaeological site located in the rural area of Kampsville Illinois. This site is noted for the discovery of Mississippian shell-tempered pottery, indicating cultural connections and trade networks of ancient Native American peoples. Our excavation unit, Unit 5, was strategically placed based on magnetometry surveys that identified potential subterranean house basins. These basins are remnants of Native American dwellings where refuse deposits can provide crucial insights into the daily lives and practices of woodland peoples. 

Our initial task involved preparing the ground by leveling a 2-meter by 1-meter rectangle and digging uniformly down 10cm, aiming to uncover artifacts and features that will enhance our understanding of prehistoric settlement patterns and cultural practices in this region.To ensure precision, we utilized a string attached to a reference point, using it with a ground leveler to measure depth accurately. This process was repeated rigorously throughout the day, ensuring meticulous archaeological standards were maintained. Despite the physical demands, it was crucial for us to uphold the integrity of our excavation. Even from first glance at our excavation unit we faced a substantial challenge, unseen in the other units: a large lump of earth protruding from the center of our designated area. Over two days of meticulous effort, we leveled the ground, initially flattening the surface by 10 cm to prepare for the initial excavation layer. However, our commitment to precision uncovered an additional 20 cm of soil that required removal to achieve the necessary flatness for subsequent layers. Despite this initial setback, our innovative approach to artifact recovery, including the use of flotation and rigorous stratigraphic recording, provided valuable insights into past cultural practices and environmental interactions, distinguishing our unit's contributions amidst varying methodologies across the site.

Among the treasures unearthed in our excavation were substantial chert flakes and pottery fragments, indicative of extensive tool-making activities. Notably, our pioneering use of the flotation sample technique was a significant highlight. This specialized method played a pivotal role in delicately recovering artifacts and organic remnants from soil samples, enriching our understanding of ancient lifeways at the site. Our unit distinguished itself through these innovative techniques, emphasizing meticulous excavation practices that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the site's history and the cultural activities of its ancient occupants.

To begin the flotation process, we carefully selected a specific area within the excavation site that showed promising archaeological features or deposits. This area was meticulously excavated, going beyond usual depths to ensure a comprehensive sample collection. In our case, we dug an additional 10 centimeters below the current layer to gather sufficient material. Once 4 liters of soil was excavated, it was gathered and transported to a flotation station. When my partner and I resumed digging, we knew that here, the soil was mixed with water in a flotation tank or machine. The mixture was stirred gently to create a slurry, allowing lighter materials—such as seeds, charcoal, bone fragments, and tiny artifacts like beads or small pieces of pottery—to float to the surface due to their lower density. Meanwhile, heavier materials, including soil particles and larger artifacts, settled at the bottom of the tank. Using a fine mesh sieve or similar tool, the floating material was carefully skimmed off the surface of the water. These recovered materials underwent further processing in the laboratory. They were dried, sorted, and meticulously analyzed under magnification to identify and catalog each artifact.

At the end of each day, we were charged to gather the artifacts collected and present them to be checked. Each artifact is placed in a labeled bag, made of archival-quality materials to prevent deterioration. The bag is tagged with essential information such as the excavation unit, layer, and date of discovery. This tagging ensures that each artifact is linked to its precise context within the site, facilitating later analysis and interpretation. As stratigraphic analysis is essential for understanding the chronological sequence and spatial relationships of archaeological deposits we had to fill out Level forms, also known as context sheets to record these stratigraphic layers and their significance. The level forms document each layer or context as it is exposed, recording detailed information such as the layer's depth, soil type, color, texture, and any visible artifacts or features. By systematically documenting each layer during excavation, archaeologists can reconstruct a detailed history of the site over time. Analyzing changes in soil composition, types of artifacts recovered, and architectural features across different contexts provides valuable insights into past cultural practices, environmental conditions, and the functional aspects of the site.

In the afternoon we began our Lab Work, where we first learned about the main artifact we would be finding on our digs; Chert. 

Chert, a type of fine-grained sedimentary rock, holds significant importance in archaeological studies due to its widespread use by ancient civilizations for crafting tools and weapons. Found as nodules within limestone formations, chert is prized for its hardness and ability to retain a sharp edge when flaked or knapped. Archaeologists often uncover chert artifacts such as arrowheads, spear points, knives, and scrapers during excavations of prehistoric sites. These artifacts not only reveal the technological prowess of early humans but also provide insights into their hunting strategies, daily activities, and interactions with neighboring groups. The study of chert artifacts contributes to our understanding of how ancient societies adapted to their environments, developed sophisticated tool-making techniques and navigated social and cultural landscapes in the distant past. Through careful analysis of chert artifacts, archaeologists piece together narratives of human innovation, adaptation, and survival across different regions and time periods. We also did an overview of pottery, which stands as a crucial artifact in archaeological exploration, offering invaluable insights into ancient cultures and societies. Crafted from clay and fired at high temperatures, pottery vessels served a myriad of functions from cooking and storage to ritual and trade. The study of pottery shards, fragments, and intact vessels provides archaeologists with a wealth of information about technological advancements, artistic styles, and daily life practices of past civilizations. Unique decorations, designs, and the presence of specific minerals like tin in glazes can pinpoint trade routes, cultural exchanges, and chronological periods. Moreover, the analysis of pottery techniques and styles across different regions illuminates the socio-economic structures, religious practices, and even dietary habits of ancient peoples. 

Throughout the week we engaged in detailed artifact analysis and cleaning. We carefully cleaned artifacts similar to those we had excavated. This process began with submerging large pieces of pottery and chert in water-filled buckets to soften hardened sediments and debris, ensuring dirt was loosened without damaging delicate surfaces. Once dampened, we delicately used soft-bristled toothbrushes to remove remaining residues. This meticulous cleaning preserved the artifacts' original texture and intricate details, revealing patterns, tool marks, and surface decorations that often provide clues to their use, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. This hands-on cleaning process underscored the interconnectedness of field and laboratory methodologies in archaeological research, reinforcing our understanding of artifacts unearthed in our excavation unit.Cleaning pottery often reveals residues of ancient food or pigments used in decoration, offering insights into the diet and artistic traditions of the time. Similarly, cleaned chert artifacts exposed details of stone tool technology, revealing where the rock had been struck by Native Americans. Beyond preparation for study and preservation, this meticulous cleaning process deepened our understanding of past societies, their technological advancements, and their interactions with their environments.

This laboratory work played a crucial role in validating field hypotheses and expanding archaeological knowledge by providing a controlled environment for detailed analysis and interpretation of artifacts and samples collected during field excavations. Once artifacts are carefully extracted from their archaeological contexts the labwork helps archaeologists confirm the age, composition, and cultural significance of artifacts, thereby validating hypotheses formulated during fieldwork. Additionally, laboratory analysis often reveals new insights that were not immediately apparent in the field, such as the presence of ancient residues or the identification of specific materials used in artifact production. By integrating field observations with laboratory findings, archaeologists can construct more accurate interpretations of past societies, their technologies, and their interactions, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of human history and cultural development.

My journey into archaeology has been transformative, shaping my practical skills and deepening my passion for this field. Engaging with local communities and collaborating in teams has broadened my perspective, emphasizing the importance of ethical archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. At CAA, I have developed a profound appreciation for the intricate layers of human history, particularly through hands-on excavation and meticulous analysis. This experience has sparked a fascination with classical archaeology, allowing me to explore ancient civilizations in depth. One of the most wondrous parts of the experience was the excavation process, with its tangible links to past civilizations and the thrill of uncovering artifacts, has been especially rewarding. As I continue in this field, I am eager to apply these foundational experiences to unraveling the mysteries of ancient cultures, contributing to our collective understanding of humanity's past.

This summer, I've savored not only the tangible experiences of my own life but also discovered the profound flavor of understanding— perspective on the lives of those who came before us, those who live among us, and the legacy we shape for future generations. CCA has imparted a secret ingredient: perspective. Its subtle yet addictive taste has left me eager for more. Armed with this insight, I eagerly anticipate each new experience, embracing them with enthusiasm and courage. I am driven to 'experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience,' knowing each encounter enriches my understanding of the past, present, and future.

And I urge you to take this wisdom to heart, live life with passion, armed to gain new perspective with every interaction. And if you can just hear me out on this one… Join the Webtorium Health Community,  Aiding our journey to help heal the future of global health through education, for the youth, by the youth, Using past experiences to shape our own, and to experience a life together that will not be forgotten, not by ourselves, nor our descendants who will thrive on the legacy we create as individuals. 

Join us, follow our instagram@Webtorium Health and if your interested, apply to become a chapter leader on our website, and always be sure to live life for the youth, by the youth.